Crab Ride BJJ: The Ultimate Guide to Back Takes & Transitions
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 1, 2026
The Crab Ride is one of the most potent back-taking positions in modern Jiu-Jitsu.
It is often misunderstood as just “fancy spinning stuff.” However, at its core, the Crab Ride BJJ position is pure mechanics. It places you directly behind your opponent with their hips elevated, giving you a direct path to the Back Mount without ever passing the guard.
Used famously by the Miyao Brothers and Mikey Musumeci, this position is essential for anyone playing a modern open guard game. In this guide, we break down how to enter, control, and finish from the Crab Ride.
Table of Contents
What is the Crab Ride?
The Crab Ride is a transitional position where you are face-up behind your opponent (who is usually seated or on their back).
- The Hooks: Your insteps (top of feet) hook behind the opponent’s knees.
- The Hands: Your hands control the opponent’s hips or belt.
- The Goal: To force the opponent’s hips to turn, exposing their back.
As Evolve MMA explains, it is unique because it is neither a guard nor a top position—it is a “back chase” position.
The History
While traces of the position existed earlier, Rafael Mendes and Cobrinha popularized it in their legendary ADCC battles. Later, Paulo and Joao Miyao refined it into a deadly system, using it to counter the Berimbolo and double-guard pulls.
Mechanics: How to Control the Position
To hold the crab ride position bjj, you need constant tension. If you are loose, you will get smashed.
- Extend the Legs: Push your hooks into the back of their knees to keep their hips away from you.
- Pull the Hips: Simultaneously, pull their belt/hips towards you.
- The “Wedge”: This push-pull tension lifts their butt off the mat, making them light and easy to move.
Top 3 Entries to the Crab Ride
You don’t just “end up” here; you hunt for it.
1. From the Berimbolo
This is the most common entry. As you invert for the Berimbolo, the opponent might defend by keeping their back flat. Consequently, you switch your grips to their pants and drop your legs behind their knees, entering the Crab Ride to force them over.
2. From De La Riva Guard
If the opponent sits back to defend your De La Riva sweep:
- Shoot your legs under theirs.
- Establish the hooks behind the knees.
- Rock up into the position immediately.
3. The Double Guard Pull
In competition, if both players pull guard, one player often inverts underneath to attack. This leads directly to the crab ride grappling exchange.
Attacks: What to Do Once You Are There
The Back Take (Baby Bolo)
This is the primary goal.
- One Hook In: Push one of their legs down while lifting the other.
- The Twister Hook: Insert one of your hooks across their body (Twister Hook).
- Climb: Use the Twister Hook to pull yourself up to the back.
The Leg Drag
If the opponent fights hard to face you, they often expose their legs.
- Transition: As they turn, release your hooks and push their legs to the side.
- Finish: Secure the Leg Drag position and stabilize Side Control.
Counters: How to Stop the Crab Ride
If you are caught in this position, do not panic.
- Heavy Legs: Drive your heels into the mat. If your legs are heavy, they cannot lift you.
- Face Them: The Crab Ride works because they are behind you. Aggressively turn and face them to reset to a neutral guard.
- Scramble: As BJJ Fanatics notes, timing is everything. If you wait until your hips are lifted, it is too late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Crab Ride legal for white belts?
Yes. It is a positional transition, not a submission. However, be careful not to reap the knee if you transition to a leg lock.
Can you do it in No-Gi?
Yes. The crab ride bjj no gi game is very popular, especially with athletes like the Ruotolo Brothers. You rely on cupping the hips instead of grabbing the belt.
What is the difference between Crab Ride and Berimbolo?
The Berimbolo is a specific spinning motion. The Crab Ride is the position you often land in after the spin.
Conclusion
The Crab Ride is the bridge between the guard and the back. It teaches you to control an opponent without needing to be on top of them.
Start by drilling the entry from the Berimbolo. Soon, you will see back-take opportunities everywhere.